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Thirty, Flirty, and Forever Alone
27 Dresses
meets
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
in this witty, serendipitous rom-com with a magical twist from
New York Times
bestselling author Christine Riccio.
When your name literally means “forever alone,” it takes a lot of positive self-talk to stay optimistic in the hellscape that is dating. But on the cusp of thirty, Rikki Romona is determined to find her person.
Columnist, therapist, podcaster, entrepreneur—Rikki is an overachiever who thrives on schedules. She can absolutely handle two weddings in two days, and lock down someone to drag along as a plus-one.
And yet, She doesn’t.
Rikki finds herself flying hopelessly solo at a themed wedding in New Jersey. A lonely Rapunzel waiting for her Flynn.
Enter Reed writer, podcast producer, wannabe actor. Surprisingly single with startling blue eyes, he seems perfect. The catch? He lives kind of far away, so dating him would be a bit of a hike. Like an intense, all-the-way-across-the-country hike.
After one unforgettable night together, Rikki’s sure this is the end. But as she braces herself for heartache, the universe, it seems, has other plans…
When your name literally means “forever alone,” it takes a lot of positive self-talk to stay optimistic in the hellscape that is dating. But on the cusp of thirty, Rikki Romona is determined to find her person.
Columnist, therapist, podcaster, entrepreneur—Rikki is an overachiever who thrives on schedules. She can absolutely handle two weddings in two days, and lock down someone to drag along as a plus-one.
And yet, She doesn’t.
Rikki finds herself flying hopelessly solo at a themed wedding in New Jersey. A lonely Rapunzel waiting for her Flynn.
Enter Reed writer, podcast producer, wannabe actor. Surprisingly single with startling blue eyes, he seems perfect. The catch? He lives kind of far away, so dating him would be a bit of a hike. Like an intense, all-the-way-across-the-country hike.
After one unforgettable night together, Rikki’s sure this is the end. But as she braces herself for heartache, the universe, it seems, has other plans…
429 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2025
3050 people are currently reading
10960 people want to read
About the author
Christine Riccio
5 books99.2k followersChristine Riccio has been on a quest to encourage more humans to read since the third grade. No one really listened until she started making videos about books on Youtube in 2010. Now her channel PolandbananasBOOKS has over 390,000 book-loving subscribers. She makes comedic book reviews, vlogs, sketches, and writing videos chronicling the creation of her own novel. She’s also one of the three YouTubers behind BOOKSPLOSION. Originally from New Jersey, Christine graduated from Boston University in 2012 with a degree in Film and TV and now lives in Los Angeles, CA. Other hobbies include hot yoga and oatmeal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 567 reviews
March 13, 2026
3.5 estrellas.
December 3, 2025
MY FAVORITE CHRISTINE RICCIO BOOK!!!
I don’t think i’ve laughed this hard in a romance book ever before!! Christine’s first foray into adult romance and it’s STEAMYYYY and funny! I couldn’t book the book down and couldn’t wait to see what the next weddding theme was gonna be! you’ll love Reed! he’s literally the sweetest and most charming guy.
I don’t think i’ve laughed this hard in a romance book ever before!! Christine’s first foray into adult romance and it’s STEAMYYYY and funny! I couldn’t book the book down and couldn’t wait to see what the next weddding theme was gonna be! you’ll love Reed! he’s literally the sweetest and most charming guy.
June 17, 2025
The problem with Christine's books is she only writes main characters that are obviously based on herself, and they all have the same unbearable personality. She leans on the idea that quirkiness = charm, and that if a character is awkward and self-deprecating, they automatically become lovable. It almost feels like she's looking for self-validation by writing her own oddities and insecurities into her characters, wrapped up in a "look how cute and relatable I am" package. It's not necessarily a bad thing to write characters with traits that resonate personally, but when it feels this forced and transparent, it just takes me out of the story. All throughout, I couldn't help but notice the blatant self-insertion and desire for validation. It creates such a weird dynamic where it's like I (the reader) and Reed (the hot male lead) are just here to indulge in her need for approval and affection.
What's even more exasperating is Reed is an extension of Christine too. He writes YA contemporary novels, makes Bridgerton references, compares himself to Monica from Friends, loves Survivor, has daddy issues, and uses AAVE like, "it's giving [blank]." He's also instantly obsessed with Rikki for reasons that seem more like wish fulfillment than anything realistic. This book just feels so weirdly self-indulgent. The dialogue reads like made-up conversations Christine probably has with herself in the shower.
Lastly, I have to mention that the plot itself was unbelievably lazy and illogical. As someone who's currently in a long distance relationship, I went into this book interested in reading someone else's take on it. Only to find out that the main character has a *magical journal* that can teleport her to her love interest. What a cop-out.
What's even more exasperating is Reed is an extension of Christine too. He writes YA contemporary novels, makes Bridgerton references, compares himself to Monica from Friends, loves Survivor, has daddy issues, and uses AAVE like, "it's giving [blank]." He's also instantly obsessed with Rikki for reasons that seem more like wish fulfillment than anything realistic. This book just feels so weirdly self-indulgent. The dialogue reads like made-up conversations Christine probably has with herself in the shower.
Lastly, I have to mention that the plot itself was unbelievably lazy and illogical. As someone who's currently in a long distance relationship, I went into this book interested in reading someone else's take on it. Only to find out that the main character has a *magical journal* that can teleport her to her love interest. What a cop-out.
June 25, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't care for this book. It didn't feel believable how it went from "everything sucks" for the main character to "wow, everything in my life worked out the way I'd always wanted." The magical journal idea was horribly lazy. It felt like the author didn't know how to fix the main character's problems organically so she had to introduce magic. In my opinion, this just shows a lack of creativity on her part.
Also the writing was very weird and amateurish. I literally flipped open to a random chapter and there were so many examples to choose from:
"My lips shrunk into a ball." (??)
"Reed's expression renders back to serious handsome-man war-hero chic as he juts out the crook of his elbow." (Surprisingly, my biggest issue here is the use of the word "render.")
"My head kicks forward in a laugh." (I'm trying to picture this and I can't. Does she have tics?)
"A tingling sensation dusts over my skin, stalling my ability to respond." (Again, I get the idea but it's just such awkward wording.)
I understand the author is an influencer and that's probably how she was handed this book deal, but I was aghast at how bad it was. I've read wattpad stories written by twelve-year-olds that were more clever and refined than this book.
I didn't care for this book. It didn't feel believable how it went from "everything sucks" for the main character to "wow, everything in my life worked out the way I'd always wanted." The magical journal idea was horribly lazy. It felt like the author didn't know how to fix the main character's problems organically so she had to introduce magic. In my opinion, this just shows a lack of creativity on her part.
Also the writing was very weird and amateurish. I literally flipped open to a random chapter and there were so many examples to choose from:
"My lips shrunk into a ball." (??)
"Reed's expression renders back to serious handsome-man war-hero chic as he juts out the crook of his elbow." (Surprisingly, my biggest issue here is the use of the word "render.")
"My head kicks forward in a laugh." (I'm trying to picture this and I can't. Does she have tics?)
"A tingling sensation dusts over my skin, stalling my ability to respond." (Again, I get the idea but it's just such awkward wording.)
I understand the author is an influencer and that's probably how she was handed this book deal, but I was aghast at how bad it was. I've read wattpad stories written by twelve-year-olds that were more clever and refined than this book.
January 3, 2026
I really liked the first half of this book but the magical elements in it were confusing and I felt unnecessary or not fully developed. Made me lost my interest. I'm okay with Christine self inserting herself in books but I would argue she was self inserting herself in the male character more than the heroine. I enjoyed the heroine's character and backstory with a very toxic father.
January 12, 2026
it's difficult for me to write about Christine's books from a nonbiased perspective, because I've followed and adored her for years (I fully have had a parasocial relationship with her since 2011), but, im going to do my best.
this was everything a good rom com should be: fast-paced, light-hearted, funny, silly, cutesy, and romantic. was reed very, very obviously a man written by a woman? yes! was he a character in a book written by a woman? yes! so that's okay! ive seen a lot of complaints about his characterization, but I had so much fun getting to know him (and I loved that he had red hair like ok Ron Weasley). was the plot ridiculous and were a few loose ends tied up a little too easily? yes and yes. but was I smiling for most it? was the banter incredible? did this book make me feel things? yes, yes, and YES.
I LOVE the quirky narration in all of Riccio's books, and I loved how personal this one felt. could literally feel how much she cared about the story through the pages.
this was soooo good, I was impressed by how well Riccio dove into heavy topics and I genuinely think she's better suited for adult writing. and, as always, I was impressed and pleased by how casually she fits in diversity. this is cute !! read it!!!
July 2025 comment: SO FREAKING EXCITING I JUST KNOW THIS IS GONNA BE AMAZING
this was everything a good rom com should be: fast-paced, light-hearted, funny, silly, cutesy, and romantic. was reed very, very obviously a man written by a woman? yes! was he a character in a book written by a woman? yes! so that's okay! ive seen a lot of complaints about his characterization, but I had so much fun getting to know him (and I loved that he had red hair like ok Ron Weasley). was the plot ridiculous and were a few loose ends tied up a little too easily? yes and yes. but was I smiling for most it? was the banter incredible? did this book make me feel things? yes, yes, and YES.
I LOVE the quirky narration in all of Riccio's books, and I loved how personal this one felt. could literally feel how much she cared about the story through the pages.
this was soooo good, I was impressed by how well Riccio dove into heavy topics and I genuinely think she's better suited for adult writing. and, as always, I was impressed and pleased by how casually she fits in diversity. this is cute !! read it!!!
July 2025 comment: SO FREAKING EXCITING I JUST KNOW THIS IS GONNA BE AMAZING
July 18, 2025
I have always found Christine’s books enjoyable. Are they the best written? No, but I’ve always found super enjoyable things about them. When she put out the description for this book, I was excited because I also have dating anxiety and feel like I’m just going to be forever alone, as the title says. That being said, however, I unfortunately had to force my way through this book.
I truly could not stand the main character, Rikki, and how intensely millennial this book is. Rikki is like a carbon copy of a lot of Christine’s books and truly feels like an heightened version of herself. It felt like she couldn’t decide on who Rikki is as a character separate from herself. The amount of random, embarrassing mishaps was genuinely too much and happened like every other page. Between that and the magical journal used for teleportation, it felt like cop outs to dealing with the situation of liking someone that lives across the country and to move the plot forward because the author didn’t know how to make some points happen. There’s also so many themed weddings, it’s actually crazy how many can just randomly pop up for them to go to in like a month or two time period. Disney, musicals, DOGS??? I sound like I’m high trying to explain all the random things that happen in this book.
There’s a lot of “TTYL,” the use of “boi,” “sex goblin” and “lady parts” or “vag” instead of just saying the words. There’s a ton of just random rules that don’t make sense (like they can only call each other when sitting on a mattress?? y’all are long distance, you cannot survive that if you are limiting yourself to calling ONLY when you are both sitting on a bed). I was excited that Christine was venturing into the world of adult romances, however it reads more like a YA book than even her other ones. Don’t get me started on that first sex scene the main character writes for the love interest.
The conflict at the end and realizing how she is unconsciously is in relationships was good until Rikki didn’t end up showing her development after all that. But, I’m genuinely really disappointed that I didn’t like this book. I love the author, I’ve really enjoyed her other books, but this one just felt so forced.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for providing me a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I truly could not stand the main character, Rikki, and how intensely millennial this book is. Rikki is like a carbon copy of a lot of Christine’s books and truly feels like an heightened version of herself. It felt like she couldn’t decide on who Rikki is as a character separate from herself. The amount of random, embarrassing mishaps was genuinely too much and happened like every other page. Between that and the magical journal used for teleportation, it felt like cop outs to dealing with the situation of liking someone that lives across the country and to move the plot forward because the author didn’t know how to make some points happen. There’s also so many themed weddings, it’s actually crazy how many can just randomly pop up for them to go to in like a month or two time period. Disney, musicals, DOGS??? I sound like I’m high trying to explain all the random things that happen in this book.
There’s a lot of “TTYL,” the use of “boi,” “sex goblin” and “lady parts” or “vag” instead of just saying the words. There’s a ton of just random rules that don’t make sense (like they can only call each other when sitting on a mattress?? y’all are long distance, you cannot survive that if you are limiting yourself to calling ONLY when you are both sitting on a bed). I was excited that Christine was venturing into the world of adult romances, however it reads more like a YA book than even her other ones. Don’t get me started on that first sex scene the main character writes for the love interest.
The conflict at the end and realizing how she is unconsciously is in relationships was good until Rikki didn’t end up showing her development after all that. But, I’m genuinely really disappointed that I didn’t like this book. I love the author, I’ve really enjoyed her other books, but this one just felt so forced.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for providing me a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2025
Received as an Advanced Reader’s Copy through NetGalley from Montlake, a romance imprint of Amazon Publishing.
Long-distance love stories are rare in contemporary romance, which makes this novel stand out from the start. Christine Riccio’s protagonist, Rikki Romona, isn’t just navigating the challenge of physical distance; she’s wrestling with something more internal. With the support of close friends, a partner willing to meet her every relationship demand, and even the universe itself—thanks to a touch of magic—nudging her forward, Rikki’s journey becomes one of self-sabotage, self-discovery, and eventual growth. While the story leans into wish fulfillment, it also reads like a deeply personal reflection of something the author herself longs for: a version of love imagined from the perspective of someone still figuring themselves out.
Even when the storytelling stumbles, Riccio’s voice remains vibrant. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, and her willingness to explore emotional messiness—particularly from a female perspective—adds a grounded honesty to the novel. The plot, especially between the midpoint and final stretch, can feel scattered and uncertain. But that confusion ends up feeling purposeful; the wandering is part of the point. It reflects the internal work Rikki must do to earn her ending. The mess isn’t just narrative—it’s thematic. And that’s what ultimately makes the payoff feel earned.
If you’re open to a romance that begins as an idealized, cinematic love story—more suited to the screen than the page—and gradually spirals into something more introspective about becoming ready for love rather than simply finding it, this one delivers with heart, humor, and a touch of magical realism.
Long-distance love stories are rare in contemporary romance, which makes this novel stand out from the start. Christine Riccio’s protagonist, Rikki Romona, isn’t just navigating the challenge of physical distance; she’s wrestling with something more internal. With the support of close friends, a partner willing to meet her every relationship demand, and even the universe itself—thanks to a touch of magic—nudging her forward, Rikki’s journey becomes one of self-sabotage, self-discovery, and eventual growth. While the story leans into wish fulfillment, it also reads like a deeply personal reflection of something the author herself longs for: a version of love imagined from the perspective of someone still figuring themselves out.
Even when the storytelling stumbles, Riccio’s voice remains vibrant. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, and her willingness to explore emotional messiness—particularly from a female perspective—adds a grounded honesty to the novel. The plot, especially between the midpoint and final stretch, can feel scattered and uncertain. But that confusion ends up feeling purposeful; the wandering is part of the point. It reflects the internal work Rikki must do to earn her ending. The mess isn’t just narrative—it’s thematic. And that’s what ultimately makes the payoff feel earned.
If you’re open to a romance that begins as an idealized, cinematic love story—more suited to the screen than the page—and gradually spirals into something more introspective about becoming ready for love rather than simply finding it, this one delivers with heart, humor, and a touch of magical realism.
July 9, 2025
although there's nothing inherently wrong with writing a self-insert character or basing characters on real people (including yourself), there comes a time when if you do it enough times, it becomes a pattern. and it gets repetitive. and that's not something you want to be known for
i didn't really vibe with this. the writing saved it because it made it entertaining enough for me to keep going, but i simply.... didn't care enough? the whole magic journal felt like an easy way out for every problem the characters would face instead of having them work on stuff. there's never any learning because everything can be easily solved
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
i didn't really vibe with this. the writing saved it because it made it entertaining enough for me to keep going, but i simply.... didn't care enough? the whole magic journal felt like an easy way out for every problem the characters would face instead of having them work on stuff. there's never any learning because everything can be easily solved
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
September 11, 2025
I was really enjoying the first half of this book, and then the FMC literally crapped her pants and I was grossed out.
I wish I was kidding. But alas. Crapping ones pants shouldn’t exist in romcoms that are meant to be swoony, in my opinion.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC. Maybe include violent craps as a trigger warning for the ladies out there who don’t find it amusing.
I wish I was kidding. But alas. Crapping ones pants shouldn’t exist in romcoms that are meant to be swoony, in my opinion.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC. Maybe include violent craps as a trigger warning for the ladies out there who don’t find it amusing.
Currently reading
March 22, 2026Pre-read: I was actually starting to get caught up on reviews, and then I had a migraine for like a week. 😒
Back to my usual standard of starting new books with reckless abandon while ignoring the fact that I have roughly 8 reviews to write. 😅
Back to my usual standard of starting new books with reckless abandon while ignoring the fact that I have roughly 8 reviews to write. 😅
January 1, 2026
I'm such a HUGE fan of Christine Riccio and her latest delivered on all the laugh out loud moments, amazing chemistry, great friends, complicated family relationships and a touch of magical realism that kept things interested.
Ricki is a closed off podcaster and love columnist and when she meets Reed, an actor/novelist at a wedding they hit it off immediately, sharing an unforgettable night together. Unfortunately they live on different sides of the country but thanks to magical journals they get to visit each other through a unique form of transportation.
This book has LOADS of emotional depth and growth, is utterly romantic and had a perfect HEA!! It was also good on audio and had a fun Easter egg reference to her all time fav book of mine - Attached at the hip. Highly RECOMMENDED especially for fans of authors like Mazey Eddings! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: toxic parental relationships
Ricki is a closed off podcaster and love columnist and when she meets Reed, an actor/novelist at a wedding they hit it off immediately, sharing an unforgettable night together. Unfortunately they live on different sides of the country but thanks to magical journals they get to visit each other through a unique form of transportation.
This book has LOADS of emotional depth and growth, is utterly romantic and had a perfect HEA!! It was also good on audio and had a fun Easter egg reference to her all time fav book of mine - Attached at the hip. Highly RECOMMENDED especially for fans of authors like Mazey Eddings! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
CW: toxic parental relationships
December 30, 2025
I got this book in my kindle monthly freebie where we can choose a novel. I chose poorly. This was awful. And then I found out, this is the author's FOURTH book?!?! I was going to give it a pass because I figured this had to be her first, nope.
Fair warning, spoilers ahead.
This novel was incredibly immature and poorly written. The first few chapters I lost count of the stupidly written 'air quotes' over and over and OVER again. The person would SAY air quotes or it would be narrated as air quotes, not ever he or she MOTIONED air quotes, which would have been correct.
Then, we have the consistent and ridiculous series of one stupid, asinine event after another happening, with starting a firing, ripping off your skirt and standing around in your thong AT A WEDDING, being covered in chocolate, falling down a hill, just stop being so STUPID.
Oh, it gets worse, Rikki, our main character is constantly complaining about relationships and finds the perfect guy and chooses to single handedly ruin like twelve different ways from Sunday.
Let's throw a STUPID magical, teleportation journal into the mix because, clearly, no two adults can have a logical, long distance relationship?
With the stupid teleportation journal, let's talk about all the different things you have to do like WASTE a tub full of $100 worth of milk to dunk in ONCE and then we teleport and show up naked.
A task to confront her ex and what does she do? She literally blows up his work trash bin with her diarrhea. Is the author a 12 year old boy? That does not ever happen in real life. And while she is shitting in the bin they have a fight/conversation about 'why we broke up.'
I just can't. One thing after another and I legitimately only finished this novel because I was hate reading it. This was AWFUL.
Fair warning, spoilers ahead.
This novel was incredibly immature and poorly written. The first few chapters I lost count of the stupidly written 'air quotes' over and over and OVER again. The person would SAY air quotes or it would be narrated as air quotes, not ever he or she MOTIONED air quotes, which would have been correct.
Then, we have the consistent and ridiculous series of one stupid, asinine event after another happening, with starting a firing, ripping off your skirt and standing around in your thong AT A WEDDING, being covered in chocolate, falling down a hill, just stop being so STUPID.
Oh, it gets worse, Rikki, our main character is constantly complaining about relationships and finds the perfect guy and chooses to single handedly ruin like twelve different ways from Sunday.
Let's throw a STUPID magical, teleportation journal into the mix because, clearly, no two adults can have a logical, long distance relationship?
With the stupid teleportation journal, let's talk about all the different things you have to do like WASTE a tub full of $100 worth of milk to dunk in ONCE and then we teleport and show up naked.
A task to confront her ex and what does she do? She literally blows up his work trash bin with her diarrhea. Is the author a 12 year old boy? That does not ever happen in real life. And while she is shitting in the bin they have a fight/conversation about 'why we broke up.'
I just can't. One thing after another and I legitimately only finished this novel because I was hate reading it. This was AWFUL.
July 27, 2025
ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review
I enjoyed this more than Attached at the Hip, but it still wasn't a winner for me. I understand that, as a rom-com, elements are going to be exaggerated for effect, but this didn't have anything grounding it. The romance, characters, plot, and comedy all just fell flat for me. I couldn't find anything to connect with because nothing felt real.
The characters are really at the heart of this. Rikki feels like Riccio's other protagonists: quirky to a fault, more millennial than anyone I've ever met, and oscillating between unable to handle things herself and being the friend that everyone inexplicably relies on. She says strange phrases, handles situations oddly, and is generally an 11 on the quirky and self-deprecating scales. It seems like Riccio thinks this automatically makes Rikki endearing, but it mostly makes her exhausting. I found that I wasn't rooting for her because she was always either making such bizarre choices or complaining about how everything wasn't magically going her way (even though it usually was, sometimes literally).
Reed sweeps in as a pretty perfect love interest for Rikki - he's smart, and banters with her, likes her quirks, and is successful, but also vulnerable, artsy, and emotionally intelligent. It just feels like he's always saying the right thing, always so patient and understanding, even (or especially) when the situation screams for some skepticism. Because of this, the romance never feels believable - and worse, it's not compelling.
The supporting cast is just pretty flat. Rikki's friends are generic friend characters. Rikki's dad is a generic bad dad. There's just not a lot of substance.
The plot was all over the place. It's fast-paced, which is good, but it almost feels like there are competing ideas here. First, we have the blurb version: Rikki is desperate to find her person and throws herself into dating, marking a +1 on multiple wedding invitations as she stares down her 30th birthday. That's a grounded premise! But also entirely glossed over; the opening chapter starts after that has all happened.
Instead, we get a different story: Rikki meets Reed on the eve of her 30th birthday and immediately falls for him, only to find that he lives on the other side of the country. They make a series of (frankly arbitrary and completely nonsensical) rules about how to manage their long-distance relationship. There's a grounded romance in there too, but it's all thrown out the window by the magical twist. Instead of having to work through their trust issues and the difficulties of actually being long-distance, fate steps in and gives Rikki a way to travel anywhere she wants immediately. The magic feels like a crutch to resolve plot issues that Riccio didn't want to or couldn't solve without it. It doesn't feel like something that should be happening this many books into her career.
It's now a totally unmoored romance, with an MMC that will accept any mistakes the FMC might make, meaning there's no tension. Sure, plenty goes wrong, but only in quirky, over the top ways to put Rikki in absurd situations.
Which leads me to the comedy. It just...didn't land. So many of the references are millennial references that feel dated the second they're read. Jokes are recycled practically verbatim without acknowledgement. And sometimes, Riccio just goes for the most outlandish situation possible in hopes that it'll force comedy (one scene at the 50% mark stands out in this way, and it's something I really wish had been left on the cutting room floor. Uncomfortable is not the same as funny!)
On top of it all, the writing was clunky and awkward. Riccio has a tendency to over-describe her scenes, while also using strange turns of phrase. It was easy to read, but I still found myself stopping every so often because word or structure choices were so bizarre.
TL;DR: I think this needed more time in development before hitting shelves. It feels like Riccio started with one story prompt, shifted to another, then wanted to add a magical element and pivoted again. Instead of making these pieces work in harmony (or cutting any), they're all smashed together in a way that flattens all of them and disconnects them from any emotional resonance. I hope this finds it's readers, but I was disappointed.
I enjoyed this more than Attached at the Hip, but it still wasn't a winner for me. I understand that, as a rom-com, elements are going to be exaggerated for effect, but this didn't have anything grounding it. The romance, characters, plot, and comedy all just fell flat for me. I couldn't find anything to connect with because nothing felt real.
The characters are really at the heart of this. Rikki feels like Riccio's other protagonists: quirky to a fault, more millennial than anyone I've ever met, and oscillating between unable to handle things herself and being the friend that everyone inexplicably relies on. She says strange phrases, handles situations oddly, and is generally an 11 on the quirky and self-deprecating scales. It seems like Riccio thinks this automatically makes Rikki endearing, but it mostly makes her exhausting. I found that I wasn't rooting for her because she was always either making such bizarre choices or complaining about how everything wasn't magically going her way (even though it usually was, sometimes literally).
Reed sweeps in as a pretty perfect love interest for Rikki - he's smart, and banters with her, likes her quirks, and is successful, but also vulnerable, artsy, and emotionally intelligent. It just feels like he's always saying the right thing, always so patient and understanding, even (or especially) when the situation screams for some skepticism. Because of this, the romance never feels believable - and worse, it's not compelling.
The supporting cast is just pretty flat. Rikki's friends are generic friend characters. Rikki's dad is a generic bad dad. There's just not a lot of substance.
The plot was all over the place. It's fast-paced, which is good, but it almost feels like there are competing ideas here. First, we have the blurb version: Rikki is desperate to find her person and throws herself into dating, marking a +1 on multiple wedding invitations as she stares down her 30th birthday. That's a grounded premise! But also entirely glossed over; the opening chapter starts after that has all happened.
Instead, we get a different story: Rikki meets Reed on the eve of her 30th birthday and immediately falls for him, only to find that he lives on the other side of the country. They make a series of (frankly arbitrary and completely nonsensical) rules about how to manage their long-distance relationship. There's a grounded romance in there too, but it's all thrown out the window by the magical twist. Instead of having to work through their trust issues and the difficulties of actually being long-distance, fate steps in and gives Rikki a way to travel anywhere she wants immediately. The magic feels like a crutch to resolve plot issues that Riccio didn't want to or couldn't solve without it. It doesn't feel like something that should be happening this many books into her career.
It's now a totally unmoored romance, with an MMC that will accept any mistakes the FMC might make, meaning there's no tension. Sure, plenty goes wrong, but only in quirky, over the top ways to put Rikki in absurd situations.
Which leads me to the comedy. It just...didn't land. So many of the references are millennial references that feel dated the second they're read. Jokes are recycled practically verbatim without acknowledgement. And sometimes, Riccio just goes for the most outlandish situation possible in hopes that it'll force comedy (one scene at the 50% mark stands out in this way, and it's something I really wish had been left on the cutting room floor. Uncomfortable is not the same as funny!)
On top of it all, the writing was clunky and awkward. Riccio has a tendency to over-describe her scenes, while also using strange turns of phrase. It was easy to read, but I still found myself stopping every so often because word or structure choices were so bizarre.
TL;DR: I think this needed more time in development before hitting shelves. It feels like Riccio started with one story prompt, shifted to another, then wanted to add a magical element and pivoted again. Instead of making these pieces work in harmony (or cutting any), they're all smashed together in a way that flattens all of them and disconnects them from any emotional resonance. I hope this finds it's readers, but I was disappointed.
June 14, 2025
4.5 stars
At thirty, Rikki Romona has a thriving career, great friends, multiple jobs (all she is wildly successful at!) but the one area of her life she has been lacking in is love. Modern dating has not been kind to her and despite her checking off the option for a plus one at a wedding, and trying very hard to find a date for it, she shows up alone. Lucky for her, she meets charming, attractive and age-appropriate Reed at this wedding. Unfortunately, he lives across the country making a relationship hard to pursue, but what's the harm in trying?
This book was just so FUN! It reads like an early 2000s rom-com filled with light and fun and whimsical bits, heartwarming friendships, complicated family relationships, a touch of magic and of course, a swoon-worthy romance.
All the characters in this story felt so real and easy to relate to - Rikki's romantic struggle particularly. Not enough books are set in today's dating landscape so it was refreshing to read about her issues with the apps, and men ghosting her and more recent, relatable problems! She touches on the struggles of seeing all her close friends settle down while she feels like she's falling behind. I also LOVED all the strong female friendships Christine weaved into this story. And I thought she portrayed the ups and downs of adult friendships really well.
Reed was such a great love interest - he was sweet and thoughtful and matched Rikki's freak in all the best ways. I loved the romantic tension between them from the get-go and how their connection felt real and not instalove-y. This book was spicier than I expected from Christine and I loved it!
Other than the romance, friendships and the whimsy in this story, it is also grounded by some intense family relationships shown by Rikki's relationship with her father. Despite being a fun love story, I really liked how deeper, more serious aspects of being an adult were portrayed in this story. Rikki's reflections on her growth through the story were my favorite parts to read.
The writing is great and so easy to read - I was flying through this! The chapter names were fun and there are several nods to Taylor Swift song titles. The bizarre things that characters have to do in this book were described vividly and the tone of the book was so reminiscent of a rom-com, I was able to picture everything so clearly. The dialogue and banter is cute and I love how many inside jokes between Rikki and Reed the author managed to pack in! All while making the reader also feel like we're in on the joke.
Overall, this is such a magical love story which balances light and dark so well and if you enjoyed any rom-coms ever, you will definitely enjoy this one! I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Christine Riccio for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
At thirty, Rikki Romona has a thriving career, great friends, multiple jobs (all she is wildly successful at!) but the one area of her life she has been lacking in is love. Modern dating has not been kind to her and despite her checking off the option for a plus one at a wedding, and trying very hard to find a date for it, she shows up alone. Lucky for her, she meets charming, attractive and age-appropriate Reed at this wedding. Unfortunately, he lives across the country making a relationship hard to pursue, but what's the harm in trying?
This book was just so FUN! It reads like an early 2000s rom-com filled with light and fun and whimsical bits, heartwarming friendships, complicated family relationships, a touch of magic and of course, a swoon-worthy romance.
All the characters in this story felt so real and easy to relate to - Rikki's romantic struggle particularly. Not enough books are set in today's dating landscape so it was refreshing to read about her issues with the apps, and men ghosting her and more recent, relatable problems! She touches on the struggles of seeing all her close friends settle down while she feels like she's falling behind. I also LOVED all the strong female friendships Christine weaved into this story. And I thought she portrayed the ups and downs of adult friendships really well.
Reed was such a great love interest - he was sweet and thoughtful and matched Rikki's freak in all the best ways. I loved the romantic tension between them from the get-go and how their connection felt real and not instalove-y. This book was spicier than I expected from Christine and I loved it!
Other than the romance, friendships and the whimsy in this story, it is also grounded by some intense family relationships shown by Rikki's relationship with her father. Despite being a fun love story, I really liked how deeper, more serious aspects of being an adult were portrayed in this story. Rikki's reflections on her growth through the story were my favorite parts to read.
The writing is great and so easy to read - I was flying through this! The chapter names were fun and there are several nods to Taylor Swift song titles. The bizarre things that characters have to do in this book were described vividly and the tone of the book was so reminiscent of a rom-com, I was able to picture everything so clearly. The dialogue and banter is cute and I love how many inside jokes between Rikki and Reed the author managed to pack in! All while making the reader also feel like we're in on the joke.
Overall, this is such a magical love story which balances light and dark so well and if you enjoyed any rom-coms ever, you will definitely enjoy this one! I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Christine Riccio for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 23, 2025
Right off the bat the concept of this story pulled me in, as a single woman in my 30s I feel for Rikki. Christine has a way of wrapping me up in a story quickly that I can’t put down, I binged this book in less than two days. Needless to say I really enjoyed Christine’s first full fledge adult romance.
This story was about both of these characters sorting through their lives and trying to get to a place where their lives work together. There was a magic notebook, crazy themed weddings, moments that made me laugh out loud and parts that made me swoon and cringe. Reed might be my favourite mmc I’ve read this year, I absolutely adore him and hope that one day I’ll find my Reed because man what a great love interest!
There were elements of the story that were frustrating but the characters (Rikki, it was always Rikki) eventually figure it out and work through the parts that had me want to give her a good shake, much like her friends did.
Overall this story was so fun and I can’t wait to see what Christine comes out with next!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author Christine Riccio and the publisher Montlake for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This story was about both of these characters sorting through their lives and trying to get to a place where their lives work together. There was a magic notebook, crazy themed weddings, moments that made me laugh out loud and parts that made me swoon and cringe. Reed might be my favourite mmc I’ve read this year, I absolutely adore him and hope that one day I’ll find my Reed because man what a great love interest!
There were elements of the story that were frustrating but the characters (Rikki, it was always Rikki) eventually figure it out and work through the parts that had me want to give her a good shake, much like her friends did.
Overall this story was so fun and I can’t wait to see what Christine comes out with next!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author Christine Riccio and the publisher Montlake for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 17, 2026
If you read the seven year slip and liked it, definitely read this!!
January 8, 2026
5 stars. I want to start by saying I'm actually quite mad about other people's reviews. I saw a lot of complaints that this book had a lot of aspects of Christine in the fmc, and to that I'd like to say, you chose to read this book, and you must know Christine pretty well, implying you've watched her, to even realise the parallels. If you don't like her....dont watch. With that out the way... I'd like to say I LOVE Christine, and so for me I loved Rikki and I loved the book, I will say I do see what people mean but that didn't bother me in the slightest!! I don't see how including your life into a book is a crime, I think probably many authors do this, the difference being you don't know those authors lives, it's simply because we have the privilege of Christine sharing aspects of her lives with us that we even notice. Me in particular as I'm sure many readers will be in the same boat, I grew up watching Christine, a lot of my interests are shared with Christine. Especially the books and Throne of Glass. All of the references were so appreciated. Things like musicals and Disney being included was just so enjoyable! Also Christine has come such a long way in writing spice. I remember the journey in writing attached at the hip, and she thought it was spicy but ultimately the concensus was that it wasn't spicy. This however! I was not expecting. Okay but objectively as a book if I didn't know it was by Christine. I still adored. I cried. Near the end, the decisions made, made me cry. Also when wanting to write a book myself I have always wanted to dabble in this same genre! I also love the quirky humour, that used to be in rom coms and now people shy more away from. There's also an aspect I can't wait for my bestie to read. It's a word we say to each other a lot. I just love how it could be funny but also serious, it dealt with some real issues. The second half especially. The tension not sexual but actually friction was so painful for me because I understood but I loved them both so damn much. It had an amazing meet cute. Such a good lesson to learn. Had enough emotional depth. Humour as mentioned. And simply just my exact vibe. I was reading and I asked my bestie to read too. I'm not sure if she'll like as much as me, but we never know until we ask each other.
February 24, 2026
Please let me start by saying that giving this book only 2 stars pains me. I have followed Christine's channel since she was making Youtube videos in her college dorm, I was there for the Again, But Better writing vlogs and even found it inspiring to finally give writing a go myself. When I heard that Christine was writing a more adult book with an older FMC I was excited. I heard the concept and thought it was perfect....then I read it. The book starts with chronically single, serial first dater Rikki stressing about turning up to a family wedding as the only single person that's not a child and the pressure of the ever ticking clock placed on women by society and often female relatives. We have some mishaps and I find the FMC quite funny in her misfortune. But then the cringe starts. Throughout this book the amount of ridiculous weddings is astounding. Now I don't know about anyone else but I have never been to or heard of a heavily themed wedding, let alone one where the guests come in fancy dress. A hen party sure but the wedding?!?! Yet in this book we have not only a full Disney wedding but also a musicals themed wedding (not only with fancy dress but fake audition entry) and an Eras Tour Willow choreography first dance (yes with the cloaks and orbs). It was at this point that the level of self insertion from the author was really starting to annoy me. I know that naturally aspects of the writers will bled into their characters for many, especially when writing a first person POV, but mentioning every one of your special interests in such an unbelievable way was jarring to read. Now we dive deeper into Rikki as a person. By the end of the book I wanted the MMC to leave her because I found her so irritating. Her amount of pointless rules are excessive, she is the level of "quirky" that no longer reads as fun but rather RUN and maturity wise feels very emotionally stunted. Rikki does not read as a 30 year old woman like we were promised but rather a teenage girl trapped inside a 30 year olds body. There are so many instances where Rikki feels as though she is kind of emotionless. For example with her relationship with her Dad, Christine writes this as a very black and white situation. There is no internal monologue that I feel many people would have of "I keep getting hurt but he's still my Dad" and the complicated emotions surrounding that. Instead it is just "you've done this, I'm cutting you off, I hope mum does the same." This emotionally flat writing continues on into the *spicy* scenes between the main characters. It came across to me that the author herself was not comfortable writing the scenes and so there was an undertone of awkwardness throughout each scene. My final frustration was the amount of times during those scenes that her org*sm was described as "stardust". At that point I knew that unfortunately there was no saving this book for me. I will still give Christine's next book a go but I must admit I am very apprehensive about how it will be now.
March 13, 2026
This book had sections I really enjoyed and I think there is a lot of potential for this author to grow in this genre.
Where it fell flat for me was it felt like there were too many types of character arcs trying to be crammed into the plot/characters. I kept feeling frustrated when another troupe was introduced and felt like the book was too long for the genre. The story is there but too much was added to it. Maybe this concept should have been a multi-book story to make it seem more cohesive? Not sure - but I’m glad it at least ended well!
Additionally, I’m a stickler for book titles capturing the story and this one certainly did not. The main character is the furthest thing from “flirty.”
Props to the author for all the Taylor Swift references though, even some chapter titles! Those kept me smiling!!
I would definitely give this author a try again.
Where it fell flat for me was it felt like there were too many types of character arcs trying to be crammed into the plot/characters. I kept feeling frustrated when another troupe was introduced and felt like the book was too long for the genre. The story is there but too much was added to it. Maybe this concept should have been a multi-book story to make it seem more cohesive? Not sure - but I’m glad it at least ended well!
Additionally, I’m a stickler for book titles capturing the story and this one certainly did not. The main character is the furthest thing from “flirty.”
Props to the author for all the Taylor Swift references though, even some chapter titles! Those kept me smiling!!
I would definitely give this author a try again.
July 4, 2025
I found myself relating to Rikki on many levels, especially regarding her thoughts on dating and her overall perspective on life in her thirties. The author captures the experience of navigating the dating scene at this age with remarkable authenticity. I also love the subtle magical twist woven into the story, adding a sprinkle of enchantment to what could have been just a typical tale about dating and finding love.
The fact that Rikki shares my favorite movie and references "Throne of Glass" only made me appreciate the story more. It adeptly describes the complexities of being single in your thirties, mirroring many of the feelings I personally have. Overall, it's a truly charming love story that left me feeling warm and connected.
The fact that Rikki shares my favorite movie and references "Throne of Glass" only made me appreciate the story more. It adeptly describes the complexities of being single in your thirties, mirroring many of the feelings I personally have. Overall, it's a truly charming love story that left me feeling warm and connected.
January 17, 2026
Pirma pusė buvo 10/10, kita pusė buvo kažkokia makalošė – lyg ir kažkaip kitaip, bet tas kitaip nebūtinai į gerą, tai galutiniam rezultate kokios ⭐️2,75. Mėgstantiems romcom žanrą rekomenduočiau, norintiems jį tiesiog išbandyt – gal nelabai 🌝
January 20, 2026
One of my fav authors, and she’s done it again!! She literally wrote this book for “30 something’s who are feeling burnt out trying to find their true love.” HI, thats me 🙃 She is so funny and hit the nail on the head, and inspired me to hold out hope! She manages to insert so many classic life lessons while also being really silly, and magical/un-realistic enough to make it fun. I just loved it! This one is for the hopeless romantic Swifties, thank god 🫶🏻
January 20, 2026
The book kept me interested enough to keep reading. Honestly the thing that bothers me the most is the title. Flirty? I didn’t find the main character to be “flirty” at all. The whole concept of the magic journal was never tied up or explained either. Make it make sense!!
March 10, 2026
Laughed out loud till I cried. Witty and entertaining
March 5, 2026
I am not sure if I just read it at a time that I needed it or if it was genuinely a great book. But it was so funny and touching and I stayed up way too late finishing it because I could not put it down.
February 3, 2026
I was addicted to this book I couldn’t stop reading it! I’m surprised with how much I loved the long distance trope. The love interest was so great and the little bit of magic was so fun. The focus on relationships was well done. I really liked this rom com book it was great!
January 18, 2026
1.5 stars. When Ricki, the FMC, goes to buy the milk, it’s a very funny scene and one of the few times I’ve laughed out loud at a book even though the premise was ridiculous. It tickled my funny bone and gave this book a half point more.
Unfortunately, the entire book went downhill after that. It’s interesting to read how trauma in your youth affects you when you’re older, but I was super troubled that the FMC was a licensed therapist, a licensed practicing therapist! and she could not help herself. She couldn’t set the boundaries she needed to set. You can say them, but if you don’t follow through, that’s not setting them and the MMC acted IMHO absolutely ridiculously at the end. Actually, in looking back, she acted ridiculously the entire way through the book and I would hate if I had a therapist who acted like that, much less a friend. Her rules with the MMC were juvenile and when he finally called her his girlfriend, she lost her mind. I honestly don’t understand a 30-year-old adult losing their mind over that to the point where they couldn’t function.
I need to add - again - that this was a licensed therapist who decided to give therapy to her cousin and her cousin's spouse. So unethical I cannot even get past that, but then, she tells someone who her cousin knew that she was giving them therapy. What on earth? First she is doing something for which she should lose her license and then second, she tells people about that?! I was horrified. I don't care that this is a book. That was awful!
Unfortunately, the entire book went downhill after that. It’s interesting to read how trauma in your youth affects you when you’re older, but I was super troubled that the FMC was a licensed therapist, a licensed practicing therapist! and she could not help herself. She couldn’t set the boundaries she needed to set. You can say them, but if you don’t follow through, that’s not setting them and the MMC acted IMHO absolutely ridiculously at the end. Actually, in looking back, she acted ridiculously the entire way through the book and I would hate if I had a therapist who acted like that, much less a friend. Her rules with the MMC were juvenile and when he finally called her his girlfriend, she lost her mind. I honestly don’t understand a 30-year-old adult losing their mind over that to the point where they couldn’t function.
I need to add - again - that this was a licensed therapist who decided to give therapy to her cousin and her cousin's spouse. So unethical I cannot even get past that, but then, she tells someone who her cousin knew that she was giving them therapy. What on earth? First she is doing something for which she should lose her license and then second, she tells people about that?! I was horrified. I don't care that this is a book. That was awful!
December 28, 2025
I can’t tell you how many times I cracked up while reading this book. The witty banter was the best!
Caveat: if you don’t like a little whimsy & magic, you won’t enjoy the quirky elements of this book. If you’re all about some whimsy, definitely read this one. I enjoyed it so much and will look forward to others by this author!
Caveat: if you don’t like a little whimsy & magic, you won’t enjoy the quirky elements of this book. If you’re all about some whimsy, definitely read this one. I enjoyed it so much and will look forward to others by this author!
July 20, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and it was fantastic!!! Riccio tackles the world of dating as a thirty-something in a fresh and hilarious way. The magic, sacrifice, and personal growth of being in love all come to life in this story. The characters are endlessly charming, and the dates the main characters go on are nothing short of enchanting. Riccio paints a vivid picture of the feeling of being swept up in love while simultaneously making the people and situations feel authentic and relatable. Absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a laugh-out-loud funny, romantic, and heartfelt read!!
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